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Discover Lehigh Valley: Pack Up the Car! It’s Time for An Old-Fashioned Summer Road Trip
June 12th, 2018 | In The News
Written by Danielle Corrato for Discover Lehigh Valley
Pain at the pump may have many would-be road warriors second guessing travel plans this summer, but not so fast says Discover Lehigh Valley®, the destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties. Many fun adventures await in Lehigh Valley and they’re all just a single tank (or less) drive away for tourists living in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Whether travelers are looking to beat the heat, fly through the sky on adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, rock out at the nation’s largest free outdoor music festival, indulge in the area’s finest local seasonal dishes, or simply enjoy a crisp, chilled wine overlooking the bucolic countryside, Lehigh Valley is one pit-stop must on the summer travel list.
“Summertime in Lehigh Valley brings many of the region’s most popular and unique events, including Musikfest, a true music-lover’s experience not to be missed. People travel from all over the world for this event for both the incredible mix of music and the insanely delicious food,” said Alicia Quinn, strategic brand manager for Discover Lehigh Valley. “If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, a visit to Lehigh Valley Zoo, a movie under the stars at Shankweiler’s Drive-In, a day of history at the Liberty Bell Museum, or a trip along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail can be just the thing you’re looking for in a relaxing time away.”
With Lehigh Valley’s close proximity to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., visitors need to only fill-up once before setting off to discover all the fun awaiting them in Lehigh Valley. Discover Lehigh Valley recommends these five themed adventures to make the most of a memorable road trip:
- Unforgettable family fun – Classic family fun starts with taking a walk on the wild side at Lehigh Valley Zoo. Named by USA Today as the most underrated tourist stop in Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Zoo has more than 300 animals representing over 100 species, including Masai giraffes that little ones can help feed all season long. For a more thrilling experience, visit Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom to enjoy over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including seven roller coasters, the largest collection of kids’ rides at Planet Snoopy™, and one of the country’s best-ranked water parks. For sports fans, cheer on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Coca-Cola Park and enjoy pork-themed mascot races, a kids’ piglet race, ketchup and mustard T-shirt launchers, and more. Score a goal with the family by attending Lehigh Valley SoccerFest (beginning June 14) at SteelStacks. Kicking off the start of the World Cup, SoccerFest welcomes visitors to watch the matches on large outdoor screens.
- Endless summer festivals – Filled with family-friendly events that showcase local history, Easton Heritage Day (July 8) caps off the night with an amazing fireworks display over the Forks of the Delaware. One of the country’s largest antique and classic car shows, Das Awkscht Fescht (August 3-5) welcomes visitors to enjoy live music, food, arts and crafts, a toy show, and much more. The nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival, Musikfest (August 3-12) turns 35 this year and will showcase more than 450 performances on 14 stages. From local talent to national headliners, including this year’s lineup of Dierks Bentley, Daughtry, Kesha, and Jason Mraz, Musikfest brings together artists equally as diverse as the food offerings throughout the festival grounds. Dedicated to supporting the achievements of farmers, gardeners, and homemakers, the Great Allentown Fair (August 28 – September 3) invites guests to learn about agriculture and spend time enjoying live performances, rides, and games.
- Outdoor adventure awaits – Rich in railroad and canal history, the 165-milelong Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor welcomes adventurists to discover the multi-use trail while learning local history at the National Canal Museum. Spot wildlife, enjoy a hike or horseback ride through the more than 18 miles of trails at Jacobsburg State Park or become an amateur birdwatcher by hiking the 8-mile trail system at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Visitors looking for a less rugged experience can enjoy Lehigh Valley’s covered bridge tour where guests will see the region’s seven unique covered bridges while stopping for a picnic along the way.
- History lovers rejoice – Nominated to the U.S. Tentative List for the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites showcase stories of European influences that made their mark on colonial America and then grew into a city that embraces tradition and life. Home to an exact replica of the Liberty Bell – that visitors can ring – the Liberty Bell Museum interprets the bell’s story through Wilmer Behler’s beautiful hand-painted mural. To learn of industrial change, visitors must venture to the National Museum of Industrial History and Hoover Mason Trestle in Bethlehem. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History tells the story of America’s growth as a global power. Nearby, the elevated walkway at the Hoover Mason Trestle helps visitors explore the former site of Bethlehem Steel and discover how it impacted world history.
- Foodie fanatics – Take the dining experience outside at a few local favorite restaurants. Enjoy old-world hospitality with an urban vibe at The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar in Allentown, indulge al fresco at Sette Luna in Easton, and experience local, award-winning Spanish dishes at Tapas on Main in Bethlehem. For a more intimate affair, visit Glasbern Inn for delicious farm-to-table culinary offerings or 1741 on the Terrace located at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Travelers wanting to sample local spirits, must visit the Lehigh Valley Ale Trail and Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. A must for craft beer drinkers, the rise of locally-grown ingredients and exceptional flavor profiles make the Lehigh Valley Ale Trail a memorable experience. A designated American Viticultural Area, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail – a collection of eight family-owned vineyards and wineries – offers award-winning wines made from a variety of grapes, including the region’s signature Chambourcin grape.
For more Lehigh Valley summer road trip recommendations, visit DiscoverLehighValley.com or for photos of these locations, click here. Follow @LehighValleyPa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Discover Lehigh Valley
Established in 1984, Discover Lehigh Valley® makes Lehigh and Northampton counties a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the region.
Discover Lehigh Valley’s official visitor website and blog, DiscoverLehighValley.com and LehighValleyInSite.com keeps locals and visitors abreast of all things happening in the region. Visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, brochures and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Discover Lehigh Valley’s social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into one of the many visitor centers for additional information.
About Lehigh Valley, Pa.
Set amid gentle hills and charming country sides, Lehigh Valley, Pa. is home to Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as dozens of small towns and picturesque boroughs.
The region is steeped in pre-Colonial, Early American and industrial history. Lehigh Valley has an impressive range of tourist attractions including nationally-recognized events like Musikfest, wineries and breweries, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, outdoor activities, world-class sporting events, 10 colleges and universities, and is home to America’s favorite brands such as Crayola®, Peeps®, Mike & Ike®, Martin Guitars and Mack Trucks. The region offers a diverse array of memorable things to do and plenty of dining options to fit every budget and taste.
And, it’s easy to get to and around. Lehigh Valley is located approximately 60 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of New York City by car.
